wrote:
An electrician told us that our circuit breakers (ITE) doesn't match
with our service panel (Westinghouse). He said it's a violation of
code. He recommended that we should have them replaced.

I was trying to get some information on this. But couldn't find much
from the web, e.g.,

1) Is the mistmatch a serious problem?
2) What brand circuit breaker can match what brand panel?

Any information on this is appreciated.

This is a frequent topic of discussion on electrical and home
inspection boards, see for example:

http://www.mikeholt.com/code_forum/s...ixing+breakers

http://www.inspectionnews.com/ubb/Fo...ML/000074.html

From my perspective the bottom line is that while I can't tell you
when this *should not* be a matter of concern, there are some cases
where IMO it is a matter of concern. Some examples:

1)The AHJ wants it a certain way. For example on new work the city
inspector in a nearby community says: "Breakers must be from the
same manufacturer as the panel." Agree in theory or not: "End of
Story".

2a) The panel manufacturer labels the panel as requiring that only
breakers from that manufacturer be installed in the panel. The issue
here is: do you want to knowingly court even a small possibility that
you might find yourself in a fight with the insurance company and/or
electrical if contractor there is a electrical-related fire?

2b) Same issue if the manufacturer lists acceptable replacements, and
yours is not listed.

3) There is an obvious issue with a factor such as mechanical fit, for
example the breaker does not appear to be seating fully as it releases
with unusually low effort. (There is at least one panel/breaker
combination where the breakers have a nasty habit of pooping out as the
deadfront is removed.)

4) The breaker is third-party replacement for a breaker in a panel no
longer manufactured and regarded by some in the industry as suspect
(for example some Federal Pacific products). The issue here is the
debatable reliability and safety of the entire panel/breaker assembly
- you have to decide if you wish to run what some industry sources
regard as an unacceptably high risk.

5) There is a economic incentive to replace rather than repair. An
example would be one of several older brands of panels for which
replacement breakers are quite expensive; if a breaker fails and you
decide it's prudent to replace the others at $30-50 each replacement
with a modern panel and breakers may be an attractive option.

Michael Thomas
Paragon Home Inspection LLC, Chicago IL
mdtATparagoninspectsDOTcom